Quicken 2003 Represents Biggest Redesign in Years Online Links Help Personal Finance Manager Optimize Investments Eric Grevstad
Tue 9/3/02 -- Intuit Inc. and its Quicken software have been helping PC users organize and manage their finances since 1984, but the company says it went back to the drawing board for an all-new, more intuitive look and feel for the Quicken 2003 product line -- as well as aiming to not only help users keep track of their money, but actually improve their financial standing.
Quicken 2003 Basic ($30) and Deluxe ($60 before $20 upgrade rebate) feature a new Guided Setup that lets users tell the software exactly what they want to get out of it -- whether it's seeing where their budget is going, tracking their investments, or getting out of debt. The program can automatically schedule data downloads from over 2,000 banks, credit-card and invstment companies, and 401(k) providers.
A new Account Bar provides one-click access to every account, as well as an always-available view of balances and net worth. Cash Flow, Investing, and Property & Debt centers with customized "My Data" and "Analysis and Reports" tabs provide quick info on details.
Quicken 2003 Premier ($80 before $20 upgrade rebate) and Premier Home & Business ($90 before $20 upgrade rebate) add access to an exclusive online alliance, Quicken Brokerage Powered By Siebert, that combines financial software with brokerage services to proactively inform users of the potential tax implications of a trade before it's made. An intelligent alerts system not only tells you about market changes but explains the investing and tax issues they affect and provides options for what to do next.
